Be an agent of change in the fragile health care environment.

Health care continues to be the number one concern of those who have it and those who do not. The costs of health care continue to increase as advancements in care have extended life spans and in most cases, added to the quality of life to those who have insurance. I believe government needs to determine what level of support it will bring to the table in this discussion and establish the rules and regulations that health plans need to follow in order to provide quality care to our residents. At the same time, we need to have a common sense approach to treatment regimens and strive for the most cost effective remedy without sacrificing safety or care. As a practicing pharmacist, I have seen first hand the good that government sponsored plans can do and I have seen the bad as well. My experience is important as we move into the next stage of the health care arena. As Health Insurance Exchanges become a reality, we need to have a common sense approach to what is sure to be a controversial effort.